Fluid fuel burning apparatus



Jim@ 3, 1941, M. A. POWERS FLUID FUEL BURNING APPARATUS Filed July 15,1937 atented June 3, 1941 FLUID FUEL BURNING APPABATU S Milton A.Powers, Detroit, Mich., assigner to The Timken-Detroit Axle Company,Detroit, Mich.,

a corporation of Ohio Application July 15, 1931, serial No. 153,821

' (ci. 15s- 4) Claims.

This invention relates to uid fuel burning apparatus and moreparticularly to combustion chambers which can be easily and quicklyinstalled in such apparatus.

This invention vis concerned chiefly with liquid fuel burning apparatusof the so-called gun burner type in which liquid fuel is mechanicallyatomized and projected into the furnace together with the properquantity of air to support combustion.

At the present time, especially because of their ease of operation,reliability and cleanliness, oil burner installations are rapidlyincreasing in number. Some of these installations comprise replacementof the formerly used heating units while some, especially in smallerbuildings and private homes, involve conversion of already installedexisting solid fuel burning furnaces into liquid fuel burning furnaces.

The gun burner is used in a great many of these conversion installationswith the combus tion chamber located inside the furnace. The combustionchamber is usually made of ceramic material and is usually built to suitthe contour of that portion of the furnace in. which it is placed, butthe building of such ceramic com bustion chambers involves a. greatAdeal of time and is expensive as well as unsatisfactory in other ways.The refractory clay Icombustion chambers are quite heavy andconsequently are slow to heat up and equally slow to cool down. The slowheating of such chambers results in poor combustion for a considerableperiod of time upon starting cold. After the chambers are Y thoroughlyheated a considerable period of time is required to allow them to cooldown. The heat released during the cooling period frequently serves tooverheat the living quarters. Furthermore, in cold weather when theburner is shut ou momentarily by operation of the high temperature limitcontrol in the furnace proper, upon restarting there is possibility ofexplosion if there is any delay whatever in ignition.

It has been found cheaper and more satisfactory to provide thin metalliccombustion cham bers which are factory made and ready for installation,and I have shown chambers of this character in my copending application,Serial No. 72,214, filed April 1, 1936, now PatentV No. 2,149,182 datedFebruary 28, 1939. The chambers there disclosed are constructed in anydesired fixed shape and are made of heat resistant metal. I s* Howeverthe various and unpredictable shapes and sizes of furnaces which mayconfront the burner into a fluid fuelburner have caused some difficultyin installing these ready-made chamf bers and it is chiey with thesolution of this problem that the present invention is concerned.

It is accordingly a'major object of my invention to provide in a fluidfuel burner apparatus, a novel combustion chamber whichcan be adapted toefficiently operate in different sizes of furnaces and to also suitvarious types of combustion conditions.

It is a further object of my invention to provide, in a fluid fuelburning apparatus, a novel combustion chamber which is adjustable to befitted into different sizes of furnaces and in which provision is madefor locking the chamber parts in adjusted position.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a uid fuel burningapparatus, a novel combustion chamber having relatively adjustable wallsso that its external dimensions may be altered to suit existing furnacesizes or shapes, and which due to its construction may be insertedthrough the available furnace opening and thereafter assembled andadjusted in position.

It is an important object of my invention to provide a novel attachmentsupport for a combustion chamber in a uid fuel burner apparatus whichenables accurate and speedy mounting of the chamber in the apparatus.

A further object of my invention isto provide novel cooperating supportand fastening members on a combustion chamber and the floor of a uidfuel burner apparatus respectively for quick and emcient assembly oi'the chamber in the apparatus.

It is a further object of my invention to provide a novel combustionchamber having a readily demountable and detachable top section so thata high walled combustion chamber may be utilized in a fiuidfuel burnerapparatus whose door opening is too small to allow insertion of anintegral chamber of the same height.

A further object of my invention is to provide a novel combustionchamber open at both top and bottom for gaining wide distribution of theproducts of combustion.

Further objects of the invention will become apparent as thespecification proceeds in connection with the accompanying drawing, andfrom the appended claims.

Referring to the drawing:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of one form of adjustablecombustion chamber embodying the invention' and installed in a hot airfurnace.

Figure 2 is a section taken substantially along line 2--2 of Figure 1and illustrates further the shape of that form of combustion chamber.

Figure 3 is a plan view partly in section and taken along line 3-3 ofFigure 4 illustrating another form of adjustable combustion chamberaccording to the invention as installed in a furnace having a hot wateror steam boiler.

Figure 4 is an end View partly in section taken along line 4-4 of Figure3 and illustrates the water passage below the combustion chamber.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a further form of an adjustablecombustion chamber according to the invention.

With reference to Figure 1, a combustion chamber generally indicated atI| is shown installed in a hot air furnace. Surrounding combustionchamber I| and supported upon a suitable base by spacedlegs I3 is ametal shell I2 of suitable shape, here shown by Way of illustration asgenerally cylindrical, defining the combustion gas compartment proper.The lower end of shell I2 is shown closed by a head |4 which also mayserve as a support for legs I5 of the combustion chamber. A similar head(not shown) closes the upper end of shell I2, but is provided with asuitable flue gas outlet. Spaced outwardly from and coaxial with shellI2 are metal shells I5 and I1. Air which contacts the outer surfaces ofshell |2 and head I4 is heated and rises in the space between shells |2and I8 toward a suitable number of hot air outlets or exhausts (notshown). Shell II provides a cold air return for the cooled air from theroom. The cool air enters suitable ducts at the top of the furnace andis introduced between shells I6 and II. where it flows downwardly andenters suitable ports IIa in shell I6 and then iscaused to flow alongthe outer surfaces of members I2 and |4 to be again heated and passedthrough another cycle.

Secured about the periphery of a circular aperture in shell I1 andextending inwardly through similar apertures in shells I6 and I2respectively is a cylindrical tube I8. 'I'he connections between tube |3and shells IB and I2 are made air and gas tight by a suitable operationsuch as welding. Tube I8 serves to receive the discharge tube I3 of aconventional gun burner (not shown).

Combustion chamber II is provided with an aperture 2| with which a tube22 registers and chamber and having overlapping telescoping side walls.Each chamber section is provided preferably with a plurality ofalignable apertures 25 adapted to receive suitable locking means such aspins, bolts orthe like designated at 26. Obviously any other suitablemeans for locking the chamber sections in adjusted position can be usedWithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

Each of the sections of combustion chamber I is preferably made of theheat resistant metal described for use in such chambers in my abovementioned copending application. In Figure 1, the chamber illustratedhas a fiat closed bottom, generally cylindrical side walls and is openat the top. The ignited fuel charge is projected through projectsoutwardly therefrom. Tube 22 preferably slidlngly and telescopicallyengages the inner open end of tube I8. By this construction combustionchamber is aligned with the gun l burner discharge tube and. due to thetelescoping engagement of tubes I8 and 22, may be accurately positionedin the shell I2. It will be noted here that tubes I8 and 22 may, ifdesired, be so interconnected that the weight of chamber II is wholly orpartly carried by tube I8 instead of using the legs I5 for supportingthe chamber from below.

For the best eiiiciency it is desirable to locate the combustion chamberwith its walls spaced a predetermined distance from the inner surface ofshell I2. In order to provide a combustion chamber which is suiilcientlyflexible to be used in any one of several sizes and shapes of shells I2I preferably make my combustion chamber of a plurality of sections whichare adjustably connected. A preferred form is illustrated in Figures 1and 2 Where combustion chamber II is composed of two relativelyadjustable sections 23 and 24 each constituting an end portion of theaperture 2| into the interior of chamber I where it is thoroughly mixedand combusted and the combusted gases escape with a high degree ofturbulence through the open top of the chamber into the shell I2 therebyheating the same.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described inwhich an adjustable combustion chamber is used in a furnace having awater or steam boiler. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate this form of theinvention wherein a combustion chamber generally designated at 29 iscomposed of two telescoping sections 3|) and 3|. Chamber 29 is in theform of a ilat ended hollow cylinder having a portion of its cylindricalsurface removed to provide an opening generally designated by 36 for theescape of the combusted mixture from the combustion chamber.

Surrounding chamber 29 and spaced a predetermined distance therefrom isa multiple section hot water or steam boiler which is subjected toheating from the products of combustion escaping from the combustionchamber. Boiler sections 2l and 23 extend from one wall of thecombustidn gas compartment proper to the other beneath the combustionchamber. The boiler is seated upon a suitable base 35 as shown in Figure4. In this way a large amount of heating surface is provided and heatradiated downwardly from the combustion chamber is efllciently utilized.

Extending through an aperture'in the front part of the boiler andpreferably forming a tight connection therewith is a hollow tube 33corresponding to tube I8 of Figure 1 and which is adapted to receive thedischarge tube I 9 of a conventional gun burner (not shown). Tube 33tel-4 escoplcally engages a tubular extension 32 which is secured as bywelding about an aperture 39 in the front end wall of combustion chamber23. A series of apertures 4| in sections 30 and 3| are provided for thereception of bolts, pins or the like for locking the sections inadjusted position in the manner described above in connection withapertures 25 in Figure l. Chamber 28 may be supported wholly by legs 34,partly by 34 and tube 33 or wholly by tube 33 as desired.

Figure 5 illustrates a further preferred form of adjustable combustionchamber which is of generally rectangular shape and open at the top withflat end walls 44 and 45 and a rounded bottom 52 to provide asubstantially troughshaped chamber. Oneflat end wall 45 is apertured asYai'. 5| and provided with a tubular extension 41 corresponding to tube22 of Figure l. Telescoping sections 42 and 43 are provided withsuitable locking means for overlapping walls here shown as cooperatingaperture and bolt members 48 and 49 respectively although any suitablelockf ing means may be used without departing from the spirit of theinvention. Legs 46 may be proshown in Figures 2, 4 and 5 may be providedwith openings at the bottom as well.

It will be further obvious that any form of combustion chamber may be-used in any type of furnace, whether it be hot air, steam or hot water.Selection of a particular form of combustion chamber is a matter ofchoice to suit existing conditions depending upon the various factorsinvolved.

A major feature of the invention, it will be realized, resides in theflexibility provided by adjustable combustion chambers. When convertinga solid fuel burner into a liquid fuel burner it is preferable toprovide a combustion chamber which will fit into the existing furnaceinstallation without tearing down the major portion of that furnacebecause such procedure is wasteful of both time and money. In one typeof conversion installation all of the refractory material which linesthe usual re pit is removed except that at the bottom leaving the metalside walls of the re pit exposed. The adjustable combustion chamber isinserted, adjusted to proper volumetric capacity and to provide properspacing from the fire pit side walls. 'I'he combustion chamber is thussupported upon a layer of refractory material and the metal re pit sidewalls act as shell l2 in Figure l. It is obvious that an adjustablecombustion chamber as provided by my invention removes many installationdiilculties of this kind.

The provision of adjustable combustion chamber units is alsoadvantageous in that it cuts down the number of such units which need becarried instock in the factory or in the contractors shop becauseinstead of a whole series of different sizes only a few adjustable unitsin each shape need bey carried. Since all of the parts of the adjustableunits are of uniform size the manufacturing costs of such will beproportionately smaller than for a whole series of different sizes ofchambers.

Another advantage resulting from the use of adjustable combustionchambers lies in the fact that the chambers may be adjusted to attainthe best mixing and combustion conditions for different chamber shapesand different kinds of mixtures projected into the chamber. It will beseen that adjustment of a chamber'will change its volumetric capacity aswell as the paths of flow of the mixture inside the chamber.

The above recited advantages are available whether the combustionchamber is inserted in a new installation assembled in the factoryor inan existing installation in a private home. Once the desired adjustmentis made it is locked and need never againgbe disturbed during Vthe lifeof the furnace.

The invention may be embodied in other spe- -sections in adjustedposition,

cic forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristicsthereof. The present embodiment is therefore to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the inventionbeing indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within` the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured b United States Letters Patentis:

1. A combustion chamber for use in liquid fuel burning installationscomprising a pair of relatively adjustable sections having substantiallyU-shaped overlapping bottom and side Walls and each section having anouter end wall so that the chamber when assembled is in the form of atrough having a rounded bottom and a substantially rectangular openingat the top through which products of 4combustion escape, one of said endwalls being apertured to admit charges of fuel mixtures.

2. The combustion chamber recited in claim 1, wherein the Walls. of thechamber are all composed of thin heat resistant metal.

3. In a liquid fuel burning apparatus, a combustion chamber having aninlet through which ignited fuel mixtures are passed into the interiorof the combustion chamber and an outlet distinct from said inlet throughwhich products of combustion are permitted to escape, said chambercomprising a plurality of lsections of thin heat-resisting metalarranged with adjacent walls overlapping each other to permit relativeadjustment thereof, said chamber being in the form of a trough having anupwardly facing outlet, and means for locking the overlapped sections inadjusted position.

4. In a liquid fuel burning apparatus, a combustion chamber having aninlet opening through which ignited fuel mixtures are passed into theinterior of the chamber and an outlet opening distinct from said inletopening through which products of combustion are permitted to escape,said combustion chamber comprising a. plurality of thin heat-resistingmetal sections arranged with their adjacent walls in overlappingrelation, l

so as to permit relative adjustment thereof to selectively vary thevolumetric capacity of the chamber; and means for locking the overlappedsections in adjusted position, with their overlapped portions infrictional engagement, said chamber being of substantially cylindricalform. 5. In avliquid fuel burning apparatus, a combustion chamber havingan inlet opening through which ignited fuel mixtures are passed into theinterior of the chamber and an outlet opening distinct from said inletopening through which products Aof combustion are permitted to escape,said combustion chamber comprising a plurality of thin heat-resistingmetal sections arranged with their adjacent walls in overlappingrelation, so as to permit relative adjustment thereof to selectivelyvary the volumetric capacity of the chamber, and means for locking theoverlapped with their overlapped portions in frictional engagement, saidchamber having oppositely curved end walls.

MILTON A. POWERS.

